About

Listen For Joy Art Card Decks

$24,252

308

backers

Just imagine: 20 years of my art work in your hands, ready to inspire you or start a conversation.

I've been dreaming about this for years, and we made it real with so much help!

It's so wonderful and amazing: We've met the campaign goal, and now far exceeded the $19,500 stretch funding goal too! The extra we raised beyond both goals will help with marketing and distribution beyond our campaign. Listen For Joy Art Card Decks will be available to even more people and the project is more sustainable because we've funded this Kickstarter campaign together.

We did this! THANK YOU!! I am so amazed, grateful, joyful, and deeply moved by such wide and generous support.

This Kickstarter page will stay here indefinitely, so feel free to browse the descriptions and rewards as they were available during the campaign.

AFTER THE CAMPAIGN: Art Card decks will be available for regular purchase by early December ’17 on my website: www.ListenForJoy.com . Please visit to enjoy the art and inspiration, and to share it with others!

Two Different Decks:

I want to share 80 images with you, but I've divided them into two art card decks with slightly different themes. The Come Through Collection gathers forty images intended to inspire courage. The Deep Breath Collection includes forty images intended to invite spiritual peace. They are available individually, each with 40 art cards and its own companion booklet.

Here are the card images you'll find in each deck:

Deck Fronts

Deck backs

Final art cards will have rounded corners & matching backs

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Two Deck Set:

The two decks described above are also available grouped together as the Two Deck Set. The set includes one Come Through Collection and one Deep Breath Collection, wrapped in a decorative paper band.

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Companion Booklet:

Both decks come with their own Companion Booklet that includes card intention names, simple written invitations, and ideas about being in balance or out of balance with each card image.

Sample booklet pages

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From the Booklet Introduction:

This art can’t wait to spend time with you, ask you good questions, and give you a boost when you’re struggling and need to remember hope and joy. I know this because they’ve been so good to me and my students, clients, and friends over the years.

Personally, I often draw a card with prayerful intention when I feel unsure, frustrated, or afraid, to see what message I receive. With a client in a listening session, we might pick an image and wonder about how it relates to their spiritual journey. In a group, I sometimes invite each person to choose a card and tell a story about what they see and feel.

I believe these art cards want to go to new places, meet new people, and start fresh conversations about things that matter. Where will you take them? Maybe they’ll visit homes, dorm rooms, places of worship, retreat centers, schools, hospitals, prisons, office buildings, or even halls of government.

And how will you use them? Maybe once a year for a conference or workshop session, once a month in a book group chat, once a week to give away to a loved one, or once a day as a personal prompt for journal writing. You and the art cards will find so many ways and places to experience each other. I’m curious to know what will unfold!

–Melanie

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Budget / Prices:

We're raising these funds to cover printing costs for 700 decks of each kind ($10,500), professional editing (Thank you to Christianne of Bookwifery.com!), shipping costs, sales taxes, Kickstarter fees, and a big, sturdy shelf for storing decks and shipping materials in my garage.

I've stretched to cover the costs so far, to make sure we can meet the holiday timeline. But I need your help to replace my living expenses. Thanks to all those who gave in my first fundraising GoFundMe campaign that pulled me through the mid-project stretch. Now the cards are ready for print and shipping, and we can do this together! Thank you all!

Stretch goals: If we raise funds above the goal, I can order more decks and share them more widely in the world. YAY! If we surprise ourselves with even more abundance, I can hire for much-needed marketing and distribution help. Wouldn't that be astonishing?!

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Only One Reward per Person:

It turns out it's only possible to choose one reward level per person, I'm sorry. So if you'd like to add more to your pledge, to add decks to an Art Conversation or original painting reward, for example, contact me at melanie@listenforjoy.com and we'll arrange it.

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Multiple Deck Collections:

Multiple deck collections are available in sets only. For example, the 6-deck collection is made with 3 of the 2-deck sets. So you’ll receive three ‘Come Through’ decks and three ‘Deep Breath’ decks, bundled into 3 sets that you can easily unwrap to make 6 single decks. If you need an extra single deck of one kind or the other, please select an additional single-deck pledge.

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Shipping:

Shipping fees are included in the price of your pledge.

One shipping address per pledge, and only to US addresses for this campaign. (I'm sorry, international friends-- I can't risk the variance in international shipping during this campaign. Once the decks are printed, I will open regular sales with specific shipping rates to Canada.)

You'll receive a short email survey from me asking for your shipping address, right after the campaign ends on November 21.

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Delivery Dates:

My goal is to send deck and original art packages by December 5. I might send them a bit earlier since I've built in extra time... I'll let you know when they're on the way. If we exceed the fundraising goals (it's always possible!), I might need a few more days to deal with extra packages. (See "Risks" below)

I will do everything in my power to be sure we all receive our decks for Christmas and the winter holidays!

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Limited Rewards:

Art Card Conversations: I've made 10 of these rewards available. First pledged, first served.

Original art: Only one of each of these rewards is available. See images below, and click the picture for more details from my website.

Risks and challenges

These decks are ready to go, and the printing is already underway. I've held the printed proof copies in my hands and they're so beautiful! We're going to love them. So there are only two slight risks.

1. Shipping timing: My goal is to send deck and original art packages by December 5. I have extra time built in, but if we exceed funding goals (we just might), it could take an extra few days to mail out more packages. Either way, we should all have them for Christmas.

2. Sell out: In a fantastic situation, I could sell out of the decks I have printed so far, needing to reorder to meet demand. In that case, I will ship out packages in the order received. Those who pledge later, after we meet our Kickstarter goal, might have a slight delay in delivery. Even so, we should make it by Christmas. My printer is here in the US and has a really good turnaround time.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $5 or more
About $5

Hand-Picked Art Card

I'll breathe a little prayer, shuffle an Art Card Deck, close my eyes, and hand-pick just the right card for you. Then I'll mail it to you-- in an envelope with a real stamp-- with my thanks for your support. Every bit of it matters to this collaboration. Thank you.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $10 or more
About $10

Hand-Picked Art Card Trio

I'll breathe a little prayer, shuffle an Art Card Deck, close my eyes, and choose three art cards exactly right for you. Then I'll mail them to you-- with an actual postage stamp! Thank you for your support, when all of it helps make this collaboration possible.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $55 or more
About $55

Two-Deck Art Card Set

Bundle of joy! Enjoy all 80 Art Cards and two booklets by choosing both the 'Deep Breath' and 'Come Through' decks in a simply wrapped set. Or you can easily unbundle the wrapping band to give the decks away separately. Each deck comes with its own companion booklet in a beautiful tuck-box.

Draw an image as encouragement each day, give cards away to dear ones, use them with clients or groups to start enriching conversation... the possibilities are yours to dream and practice.

I'll also take a deep breath of blessing, close my eyes, and draw out one Art Card specifically for you. Then, when the time is right, I'll mail your lovely package with my big thanks for being a part of this group effort!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $100 or more
About $100

Four-Deck Art Card Collection

Double the bundle of joy! (2 Two-Deck Sets, four decks total.) Enjoy a deck or two for yourself, and give the others to someone you love. Or use the Art Cards in your work and play-- you'll know just where these decks belong. Each of your two-deck sets comes wrapped in a beautiful paper band, or you can easily ungroup to gift the decks separately. A companion booklet is included in every single deck box.

Before I mail out your four decks, I'll also close my eyes, take a deep breath of blessing, and draw out two Art Cards especially for you. Then I'll send your package with my big gratitude for your support of this project!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $130 or more
About $130

45-minute Card Conversation & 2-Deck Set

Share a 45-minute spiritually intuitive conversation with me by video or phone, sparked by Art Card images you choose. You’ll draw three or four cards at home from your very own decks, and we’ll listen together for the insights that show up to help your soul to grow. I’ve used the Art Cards with spiritual direction clients and workshop students for years now, so I know this is a festive way to find out more about your heart and spirit. I look forward to listening with you!

Here’s how the timing will go: First, I will intentionally draw one hand-picked Art Card just for you, and will wrap it along with your two-deck set for the mail. After you and everyone else receives their decks and I have a few days to rest, I’ll contact you to set up our phone call for sometime in January 2018. Then on the day and time we choose, we’ll meet by either phone or video (Skype/FaceTime) to draw your cards and share our conversation! So much fun!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $145 or more
About $145

Six-Deck Art Card Collection

Triple joy! With six decks (3 two-deck sets), you'll have plenty of Art Cards to enjoy yourself, use professionally, and give away. Each of your two-deck sets comes wrapped in a lovely paper band, or you can easily ungroup to gift the decks separately.

Before I mail out your six decks, I'll also breathe a prayer for you, close my eyes, and draw out three Art Cards for you to keep or give. Then I'll add my deep gratitude as I ship your package-- for your generous support of this collaboration to make the Art Decks a reality!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $190 or more
About $190

Eight-Deck Art Card Collection

"What will you do with your eight wild and precious Art Card Decks?" (I'm misquoting poet Mary Oliver for fun...) I imagine you'll keep a set of both to use yourself, then you'll have great joy deciding just how to share them. Each of your 4 two-deck sets comes wrapped in a beautiful paper band to make lovely gifts, or you can easily ungroup the sets to make eight separate decks in their artsy boxes with booklets inside.

As I pack these decks for you and yours, I'll close my eyes, take a deep breath of blessing, and draw out four Art Cards just for you. Your package will mail out full of my thanks for being a true partner of support in this Art Deck campaign.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $235 or more
About $235

Ten-Deck Art Card Collection

For the serious giver: this group of ten decks (5 two-deck sets) is a treasure trove. Or for anyone who has bigger ideas on how these Art Cards will serve their community or bless their friends and family: this package goes a long way toward supporting this Kickstarter campaign. Spread the joy! And if you think of it someday, let me know how far and wide those decks have traveled.

Your box will be brimming with art! I'll say a prayer of gratitude for your generous support while I pack it. Then I'll also take a deep breath of blessing, close my eyes, and draw out five Art Cards the Spirit and I will choose for you. They'll arrive with love and thanks.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 245 or more
About US$ 245

"Waiting for a Sign" Original Painting

Here's your opportunity to own one of the original paintings featured in the Art Card Decks! It's the card called "Guidance."

This whimsical painting/collage reflects an all-too-common experience: waiting for some kind of sign while making a decision. At the time I made this painting, I was looking for a new place to live, so "For Rent" was on my mind over and over! I liked the visual pun that helped me remember to take the process a bit more lightly...

The "Waiting for a Sign" painting is 11x15-inches, watercolor, collage, ink. Made in August, 2000. (Wow, it's almost vintage... pretty cool.) See image to the left, and click on it for more details.

Framing not included. I keep the copyright on this image, but you keep the vibrant power and spirit of the original!

What a great package you'll receive in the mail: the original painting, a single Art Card chosen with love and blessing just for you, and of course a two-deck set of Listen For Joy Art Cards. Maybe it will arrive on the day you really need that heavenly sign...

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $370 or more
About $370

Sixteen-deck Art Card Collection

Long gift list? Several friends who need support? This group of sixteen decks (8 two-deck sets) is for you. You can give them as sets or separate them into smaller bundles of joy and inspiration to share. Thank you for your extra generous support of this project.

You'll have a big box coming your way! I'll say a prayer of gratitude for you while I pack it. Then I'll also breathe a blessing prayer, close my eyes, and draw out eight Art Cards the Spirit and I will choose for you. They'll arrive with love and so much thanks.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 405 or more
About US$ 405

"Renew Your Orbit" Original Painting

Bring home this original painting as a powerful spiritual reminder— and it’s featured in the Art Card Decks! It's the card called "Reorient."

If you sometimes forget to center your life around what’s truly important, or maybe you get pulled off-course into details, worry, or distraction, this painting may be for you. I made this image as a reminder to bring my heart back around. In each moment you and I have a fresh choice to renew our intention to stay within orbit of the best things: Love, Guidance, Faith, the Spirit, etc. This vibrant original could add to that kind of good gravity in your life.

The “Renew Your Orbit” painting is 15x22-inches, watercolor, colored pencil. Made in February 2011. See image to the left, and click on it for more details.

Framing not included. I keep the copyright on this image, but you keep the vibrant power and spirit of the original!

Your painting will arrive just in time to bring its strong message when you need it, along with a single Art Card prayerfully chosen for you, and (of course) a two-deck set of Listen For Joy Art Cards. Thanks be!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $460 or more
About $460

Twenty-deck Art Card Collection

Share this art far and wide! These twenty decks (10 two-deck sets) will spread joy and inspiration to so many of your friends and loved ones. Your deep generosity helps me take this work farther out into the world where it can be a blessing. Thank you. Each of your 10 two-deck sets comes wrapped in a beautiful paper band, or you can easily ungroup the sets to share separately.

As I pack this wonderful stack of decks for you and yours, I'll close my eyes, take a breath of blessing, and draw out ten Art Cards just for you. Your package will mail out with my gratitude for your big support in this Art Deck campaign.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 875 or more
About US$ 875

Custom Fabric Art Original - 14-inch

Enliven your home, work place, community area, or sacred space with a personalized fabric art original! With you in my mind and heart, I'll make a fabric and thread circle, mounted on a plastic backing, 14.5-inches diameter, ready to hang with no framing required. I'll keep the copyright to the image, but you'll keep the inspiring beauty of the original! (You could end up indirectly famous if your art becomes an Art Print or an Art Card one day...)

See an example image, "Story Spirit," to the left. Please visit my Fabric Art Gallery page for other fabric circle examples, and yours will be one of the smaller, simpler designs: http://www.listenforjoy.com/art/gallery/gallery-fabric/

First, I'll send out your Art Card Decks and an Art Card picked with blessing especially for you. Then, in January 2018, I'll arrange a 45-minute phone call with you to jump-start my creative process. While we talk, I'll listen for a sense of what's stirring in your spirit and what images might nourish you or whomever who will receive this art. In the next few months, I'll be guided to create an image for you as a visual blessing or prayer. It will be something semi-abstract, maybe with recognizable symbols or maybe not-- intended to convey a feeling or a spiritual idea. (Sorry no portraiture or images from photographs.) We'll both be on an adventure-- to welcome whatever shapes, colors, and textures come through!

I estimate finishing your art by June 2018, though it could be earlier... the listening and making process takes some time when it's juicy. I'm already looking forward to it!

Thank you for considering this joyfully-generous way to support this Art Card Deck project and my art-making. You have my grateful blessings!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 955 or more
About US$ 955

"Angel of Self-Compassion" Original Art

The Angel of Self-Compassion could live in your home, or workplace, or sacred space. Of course it’s a featured card in the Art Card Decks as "Self-Compassion"… how could it not be?

I love the story of this painting: First of all, I lost it for four years! It started as a draft for a commissioned art work, but I set it aside, unfinished, in favor of another image. Years later, I rediscovered the piece while looking through a box of old art scraps. In the interim time, my heart had learned quite a bit more about self-compassion… enough to realize that the wrestling figure in the painting would also be given a halo. The struggling parts of ourselves are an especially sacred part of who we are! If you need this reminder, consider supporting my work by choosing this pledge.

The “Angel of Self-Compassion” painting is 16x22-inches, watercolor, graphite, colored pencil. Started in 2011 and finished in May 2015. See image to the left, and click on it for more details.

Framing not included. I keep the copyright on this image, but you keep the vibrant power and spirit of the original!

After the Art Card Decks are printed, I will choose you a single Art Card as a prayer just for you, I’ll pick out a shiny two-deck set of Art Cards, and I’ll wrap your beautiful painting with tender care and love. I wonder who you are and where you live? I trust the Angel and the painting will be a blessing to you and yours for years to come.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 1,035 or more
About US$ 1,035

"Clear Revelation" Original Painting

Does this beautiful, strong image of clarity and presence want to live with you or your loved ones? Could she inspire your own inner knowing and strength? She’ll be doing that work as a featured Art Card named "Clarity," and she’s all the more powerful as a big, bold painting.

What a glorious moment of “Aha!” or “Yes!” is portrayed in this watercolor! From chakras and fiery wings to beams of light, I intended to illustrate the piercing and gorgeous power of the instant a healing insight takes hold. Maybe this painting wants to take hold in you, too.

The “Clear Revelation” painting is a full-sheet size 22x30-inches. Watercolor, made in spring 2008. See image to the left, and click on it for more details. (Note that the golden-tan color in the photograph is actually shining gold watercolor paint with a lovely sheen in person. Truly beautiful.)

Framing not included. I keep the copyright on this image, but you keep the vibrant power and spirit of the original!

I’ll be so delighted to share this wonderful painting with you. If you choose this pledge, she’ll be coming your way after the Art Decks are printed, along with a two-deck set, of course, and a single Art Card chosen with blessing especially for you. Thank you for this generous investment in my work and in the inspiration this art will bring you and yours over the years.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 1,300 or more
About US$ 1,300

Custom Fabric Art Original - 20-inch

Grace your home, work, community meeting space, or sacred place with a personalized fabric art original-- made especially for you in my contemplative creative process of listening and creatively responding to the Spirit. I'll create a fabric and thread circle, mounted on a plastic backing, 20-inches diameter, ready to hang with no framing required. When it's finished, I'll keep the copyright to the image, but you'll keep the inspiring beauty of the original! I won't be surprised if your art ends up as a beautiful Art Print, or featured in another deck of Art Cards someday...

Please see an example image, "Something About Joy," to the left. Then visit my Fabric Art Gallery page for other fabric circle examples: http://www.listenforjoy.com/art/gallery/gallery-fabric/

This fall, I'll ship you a set of Art Card Decks and a prayerfully chosen Art Card. Then in January 2018, I'll arrange a 45-minute phone call with you to get us started. While we talk, I'll listen for a sense of what's stirring in your spirit and what might nourish whomever who will receive this art image. Then I'll begin creating a visual prayer or blessing for you, your family, or community. It will be something semi-abstract, maybe with some recognizable symbols or maybe not-- intended to convey a feeling or a spiritual idea. (Sorry no portraiture or images from photographs.) What an adventure for us both: to welcome whatever shapes, colors, and textures come through!

I estimate finishing your art by July 2018, though it could be earlier... a juicy creative process takes a bit of time. I'm already excited to work together on this new image!

Thank you for considering this extra-generous way to support my art-making and this Art Card Deck project. Grateful blessings to you!